When you have been charged with a DUI, it is easy to focus on negative
1. What Most People Do Wrong: Panic, Give Up, or Focus on Regret. What You Can Do Right: Spend energy on affirmations.
- You can’t change the past, so you need to put your energy into the future. Here are some affirmations that will help you be confident in yourself and your future happiness.
- Know that you may have defenses that you aren’t aware of yet.
- Understand that everyone makes mistakes, and you can always recover.
- Forgive yourself and focus on what you can learn from the experience to help you in the future.
2. What Most People Do Wrong: Delay. Procrastination is one of your most dangerous enemies if you have been charged with a DUI. Some people requesting a DMV hearing and miss the deadline, others delay seeking legal counsel immediately, others wait to begin changing harmful habits.
What You Can Do Right: Take immediate action!
- Request a DMV hearing to avoid the default, which is a suspended license.
- Immediately start looking for an attorney who is experienced in criminal law, particularly DUI.
- Change your habits starting now, so that you don’t end up in more hot water. Make sure you do not risk getting another DUI. If you struggle with substance abuse or alcoholism, work with your attorney to identify treatment programs or counseling that you may work into a plea deal if you decide not to go to trial.
3. What Most People Do Wrong: Spend money as usual, and forget to set aside funds for DUI. What You Can Do Right: Start preparing financially. If convicted, you will be facing costs of fines, counseling, and eventually increased insurance costs and an interlock device when you can drive again. These costs add up, so now is the time to start preparing financially to handle those responsibilities.
- If you qualify, a public defender can save you costs. Some defendants prefer to hire a private attorney.
- Start setting aside money from paychecks to allocate to DUI expenses.
- Talk to family members about assisting you during this time, if they are able to contribute.
A DUI can be challenging, but you can hit it head on by being proactive. Don’t give up or panic. Find an attorney who may be able to assist you in beating the charge. Take immediate action to defend yourself and your right to drive. Prepare financially to put yourself in the best position to succeed in making the most of a tough situation.
